President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign their positions on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive was made public in a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The circular, signed by the SGF, George Akume, explained that the move is in line with existing electoral laws and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the statement, the decision is based on Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which requires political appointees to step down from their positions before participating in party primaries or seeking nomination for elective offices.
The order affects a wide range of government officials appointed by the President. These include ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, and personal assistants to the President. It also covers directors-general and chief executive officers of federal government agencies, parastatals, commissions, and government-owned companies.
By this directive, all affected officials must submit their resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation no later than the stated deadline. The government stressed that there will be no exceptions, as compliance with the law is a key part of ensuring a credible electoral process.
In the statement, President Tinubu noted that the measure is necessary to promote fairness and transparency in the political system. He said allowing appointees to remain in office while pursuing elective positions could give them an unfair advantage over other aspirants.
The directive comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections are gradually gaining momentum across the country. Although the elections are still more than a year away, early preparations, including party consultations and alignments, have already begun in many political circles.
INEC had earlier released a timetable outlining key activities leading up to the elections, including the schedule for party primaries. Primaries are internal elections conducted by political parties to select their candidates for various offices, including the presidency, governorship, and legislative positions.
The requirement for appointees to resign before participating in primaries is not new in Nigeria’s political system. Similar directives have been issued in the past by previous administrations to ensure compliance with electoral laws. However, the strict enforcement of such rules has sometimes been a subject of debate.
Supporters of the policy say it strengthens democracy by creating a level playing field for all contestants. They believe it prevents the misuse of government power and resources during political campaigns. Critics, however, sometimes argue that it may discourage experienced individuals in government from participating in elections.
For many Nigerians, the directive is seen as a positive step toward improving the credibility of the electoral process. Free and fair elections remain a major concern in the country, and measures that promote transparency are often welcomed by civil society groups and election observers.
The Tinubu administration has repeatedly stated its commitment to strengthening democratic institutions since taking office in 2023. Officials say ensuring compliance with electoral laws is part of broader efforts to build trust in the political system.
The role of the SGF’s office in this process is also significant. As the coordinating body for government activities, it is responsible for receiving and processing the resignation letters of affected appointees. The office is expected to ensure that all submissions are properly documented and that the directive is fully implemented.
In practical terms, the resignation of several political appointees could lead to changes within government ministries and agencies. Temporary replacements or acting officials may be appointed to fill any gaps created by those who step down to pursue political ambitions.
As the March 31 deadline approaches, attention will be on how many appointees choose to resign and declare their political ambitions. The coming weeks are expected to see increased political activity, with aspirants positioning themselves within their parties ahead of the primaries.
For now, the President’s directive sends a clear message about the importance of following the law and maintaining fairness in the political process. It also signals the start of what is expected to be an active and closely watched build-up to the 2027 general elections.
With Nigeria’s democracy continuing to evolve, actions like this are likely to play a key role in shaping public confidence in the system. Many citizens will be watching closely to see how the directive is implemented and whether it leads to a more transparent and credible electoral process.